Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

RedRaider271

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Minuteman
Mar 12, 2010
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DFW Texas
I am antsy to buy a new rifle, I sold my 300 win mag, I am wanting a 308, I shot my friends Milspec 5R and it shot great, I am curious if that is a great rifle to start with for getting into long range shooting, or If I am better off to wait and get a custom build. I worry that later I would want to change the stock to a McMillan, what are your thoughts? Also which trigger would you recomend, I had a timney in my 300 which was nice, I hear everyone rave about JP triggers and jewel triggers,
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

Go custom if you can, pistols to rifles that personal touch to a custom build is a world of difference
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

If you are just getting started then I would say go with the 5r and shoot it until you learn what you want custom. Buy parts as you can to customize the 5r and then when it comes time to rebarrel the rifle, have the action trued.

Or shoot the heck out of it while you save your money then sell it and buy full custom. Used 5r's bring 600 to 800 dollars depending on condition and use, so you invest a couple hundred in learning what you like.

I had a 5r that I started with and when I upgraded the stock it shot alomost as good as a full custom I have.

I have a jewel on all my rifles. Lots of people dont like them on here but I do.
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

I went with a 5r. I have been slowly upgrading it. I had the barrel cut down to 20" and threaded, fresh paint, and the stock doesnt fit me so I have an xlr chassis on order. Trigger is still stock. I have no complaints with the gun as I'm still learning and getting into reloading. I'm still not sure what I would order on a custom build. I haven't seen/shot/handled enough different stuff yet. Personally I would be hesitant to drop that much coin if I wasn't absolutely sure I would love it and it would fit my needs. On the other hand if I had the cash just laying around and just wanted to go full custom I'm sure a consultation with one of the reputable builders would set me down the right path.
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

Definitely a 5R......I just went through this process a couple months ago and after exhaustive research looking at alternative rifles to include custom, I opted for a 5R with 24" barrel. I took it to the range for the first time this past Friday. Here are some results:
R700Milspec5R_ResultsSummary_30Dec2011-1.jpg


My 5R is a sub-MOA rifle right out of the box. I love it but will be changing out the stock to an AICS 2.0 after I get some smithing done.

Having said that, if you have the $$$ and know what you want then go custom.
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

Thats some good shooting. You wait and see the groups will tighten up even more in the AICS. Mine sure did when I went from the unbedded HS to an AICS.
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback, that is what I think I am going to do, start with the 5R and grow from there, that way I don't spend to much $$ to start, nice pics that is the kind of grouping I was getting with my friends 5R when I shot it last year. Kinda why I have been leaning towards it. Both of my pistols I shoot are custom, but I have done it long enough to know exactly what I want and need to be successful with them, I have shot rifles my whole life but never got super serious with long range shooting.
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

3 shot group? thought the hide only recognized 5 shot groups?....
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTGunner</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Definitely a 5R......I just went through this process a couple months ago and after exhaustive research looking at alternative rifles to include custom, I opted for a 5R with 24" barrel. I took it to the range for the first time this past Friday. Here are some results:
R700Milspec5R_ResultsSummary_30Dec2011-1.jpg


My 5R is a sub-MOA rifle right out of the box. I love it but will be changing out the stock to an AICS 2.0 after I get some smithing done.

Having said that, if you have the $$$ and know what you want then go custom. </div></div>
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

I don't own a 5R (or any precision rifle) but I'm sold on one. My friend got one recently and it was bone stock when I shot it. He upgraded to an AX AICS right after Christmas, but I didn't think it was necessary.

Here are the first 5 rounds that my n00b-self shot out of it using FGMM.
5r_MOA.jpg


Then a couple weeks later with handloads.
5rGroup.jpg


I've put about 30 rounds down range and not a single one has disappointed me (except that milsurp crap). If you think you're capable of better than half-minute groups then I suppose you should get a custom built gun.
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

No doubt the 5r is a very accurate rifle. But IMHO if i had it to do over again i would've gone custom, or had one built off a 700 action. By the time my rifle actually gets finished cost would equal the same.

http://weww.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2411053&page=1
<span style="font-weight: bold">155gr Scenars</span>
3469esi.jpg



<span style="font-weight: bold">175gr Berger BT LRs</span>
jt1e6u.jpg

29p83ly.jpg
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

5R's are sub MOA right out of the box as already stated. In 308, on a nice day, the rifle can group sub 2 inches at 300m with good factory fodder (Hornady); well mine can. Heck, I'm an old Rifleman and I don't think I can shoot a laser to 1/2 a MOA with my heart rate. I don't care who you are it takes some real setting up of everything to get below 1/2 MOA and thats man and machine. For the money what else do you want?

Unless you want to go bench rest style the 5r will deliver the 308 (the 308 being a great learning calibre but no laser) on target and is very forgiving ammunition wise. I bought a 5r and then spent what the rest would have cost me on buying a custom on best glass, mounts and accessories. Then I got some range time.

I did a cold shot the other month on a 6 inch steel in howling weather at 400m and the two shots I fired clanged. That will do me.

Here is a picture of my 5R with all the added toys; it comes in at under 13lbs so I can carry it up hills and over valleys too:
http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz128/Muskett_2009/IMG_4487.jpg


cmy
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

Delta271, you made the right choice for now. One piece of advice: Other than removable items like a base, rings, scope and bipod, I wouldn't put any money into it. I did and took a 33% hit when I sold off what was basically a pristine, semi-custom rifle. They shoot well as is. Put your money for now into range time and ammo, then replace it with a custom when you can really be sure what you want.
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

I just got one. Just starting out. A friend has one, and loves it. Shoots .75 groups, at 100 yds. I looked at other customs and landed on the Remington. A good place to start, I figured.
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Delta271</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Got my 5R ordered today!!! now for a scope and rings...!!! </div></div>

Congrats!!! You will surely love that rifle like I love mine.
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Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: toolshed</div><div class="ubbcode-body">3 shot group? thought the hide only recognized 5 shot groups?....
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</div></div>

Thanks for deflating my ballons compadre.....3-shot vs 5-shot......that is news to me but what the heck, I am a noob at this LR shooting stuff and a noob to this forum. Back to the range to start expending some more ammo after I get my 5R back from Phoenix Custom Rifles. Five shot groups on layaway until then
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Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

As said spend your money on range time. If you look at my 5r most of the extras are bolt on items that I can take off and use again if I was to sell.

All new rifles once second hand take a huge hit when sold. Extras an even bigger hit. Be it factory or custom the % are about the same; the exception being a custom in a funny calibre then they can be hard to give away.

Try several types of ammo and once you get one to shoot under 1MOA, at 100m, on the range, in fair weather, then don't worry too much. Then stretch the distance out. Soon it will be conditions and your marksmanship that makes the difference; it won't be the 5r.
Once you are sorted on the range then take your combination into the field and see what happens. All hell usually breaks out with your groups. Its not the rifle but your judgement and marksmanship that needs the work. Away from the range the 308 needs some steering and experience. Again its not the rifle but the bod behind it. If it was so easy it wouldn't be half as fun. Its the reason so many people want hyper fast bullets to compensate for their poor marksmanship. Out in the field the wind and conditions are all over the place and so goes accuracy if you don't work with it. The rifle shoots the same, its just the other factors, which you can only learn to compensate for by doing it for real.

The 5r and in 308 is a great way to start to learn the real world of marksmanship. I could have or have had all sorts of rifles and calibres and the above is the reason I have a 5r in 308. The rifles forgiving enough and well accurate and the calibre keeps me on my toes.

 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Delta271</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Got my 5R ordered today!!! now for a scope and rings...!!! </div></div>

Good choice. I don't normally recommend factory R700 but the 5R is an exception. I recently got one off gunbroker for my son to try his hand at the bolt gun game. It shot well in the factory stock but really turned on with an XLR.
I think a trigger upgrade may be in order, as I just don't like the new style trigger.
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

That makes me feel great about my purchase, I agree it's time to get glass...then off to the range for practice. I have spent most of my time 3 gunning, but I am looking forward to learning the long range game.. I can't wait, my trigger finger is itchy.

I am excited to try to get a better understanding of ranging as well, that is something that has been challenging for me as i dont have tons of experience. Is a Mil-dot the way to go for a noob for learning basics? That's what I had on my last rifle, I liked it, I see lots of guys using all different kinds of reticles, just curious what many of you use and like
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

The 5R's trigger isn't bad at all so long as you have it adjusted correctly, a half decent gunsmith should be able to get it very nice. Mine is fine for the range, for the heat and for when its freezing and wet. You don't want to have it like a set trigger or make it a feather super light bench rest queen thing (near or a tad under 2lbs is nice enough, just be safe).

A 20 degree MOA rail will usually take most good scopes out to 1000m which is a long way for the average 308. In truth a 308 is happy to 600m and then things get a little tricky.

Scope! We all have our favorites, and the argument rages on and on and on (I like 2nd focal plane; my mounts and scope cost twice what the rifle did!). If you can use a rangefinder then mildots aren't much use. A nice fine duplex is hard to beat. Target turrets are a must for elevation and wind once you start to stretch out over 300m. Leupold, Zeiss Conquests, Bushnel plus a whole lot of others are competing for your cash. A variable ?-25x is a much as you will ever need magnification wise. A 50 objective one inch or 30mm tubes both will work just fine. Side parallax is nice. Leupold rings are good enough and do mount the scope as low as you can. Nothing wrong with second hand stuff if its from a good make.

An inexpensive cheek rest is worth it with the 5R, though a bit of foam and tape will do. The factory stock with the above mod is as good as anything (I see all to many shooters add aftermarket stocks that make their rifles too heavy to do anything other than prone). Remember there are other positions to master. The 5r is a nicely weighted rifle as is; so everything you add is weigh. You add it, you carry it. Just be careful you don't add too much.

I like the Atlas bipod if you have the cash (great investment) and with the quick release you can take it off for other positions shooting.

Finally, you really don't have to have the "best you can get" to shoot. Whatever, you can put together can work; just get out there and shoot. Most of the time it will be you not the kit. Make notes as you go along as they will beat any ballistic calculator.
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

IMHO, the Vortex PST may be the best deal out there right now.
What ever you decide for a scope please do your self a favor and get matching turrets and reticle. It will save you hassles down the road.
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Delta271</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That makes me feel great about my purchase, I agree it's time to get glass...then off to the range for practice. I have spent most of my time 3 gunning, but I am looking forward to learning the long range game.. I can't wait, my trigger finger is itchy. </div></div>
I'm right there with you. Got a 5R for Christmas and just ordered a Viper Vortex PST 4-16X50 scope from the Group Buy. Can't wait to get it all together.
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">IMHO, the Vortex PST may be the best deal out there right now.
What ever you decide for a scope please do your self a favor and get matching turrets and reticle. It will save you hassles down the road.
</div></div>

Agreed. I have a Leupold MK4 M2 2.5-8x36mm on my MK12 Mod 1, that i love but i can't deny it's pretty annoying having non matching turrets and reticle. That being said i do love that little scope. Hits on steel today at 500yds was delightful.

I would also suggest putting a new stock on it, unless you just like the HS precision stock. I know muskett mentioned resale value going down with the addition of "custom" parts which i understand but if you don't plan to sale it and want to have a custom keeping the action in a preferred stock of choice makes sense. Mine for instance is bedded in a McM A5 topped with a USO SN-3. It's a hell of a rifle to build on because it just so happens to be pretty damn easy to load for and a very accurate factory rifle. So little by little shoot the hell out of it and upgrade it, till you have your full fledged custom. Thats what i'm doing anyhow. I still wish i had my rifle complete or would've just gotten a smith to build it from the get go. Saving up and ordering parts this and that is getting on my nerves.
 
Re: Remington Milspec 5R or wait to build custom

New guy here, I also just got 5R. Still need to get scope and rings for it. This will be my first bolt gun and first gun with a scope, been shooting iron sights forever. I based my purchasing decision from all the feedback and info on this site. I can't thank the community enough for the info. Now I just have to figure out what scope to get
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